Drawing Sumo stuff for every Sunday until I achieve my dream of seeing it in person!
Here is some of the stuff I have drawn so far that I am proud of. Including some commissions done for Sumo fans around the world. If you’re a sumo fan and want to commission me please contact me using the contact form at the bottom of the page or email me at szymonkwinto@gmail.com . I also sell some of these drawings (originals and print on my store which is linked). Help support my dream of seeing Sumo and buy some unique sumo art.

My obsession has steadily grown for the unique sport of Japan and the athletes who dedicate their lives to it’s ridged traditions, dangerous matches, and tough lifestyle. Overtime I have learnt quite a bit (yet have barely scraped the surface) about the ancient sport and it’s strong ties to Shinto religion and the history of Japan. I started drawing Sumo since it makes for excellent practice of unique forms and dynamic poses and it has only given me a deeper love for those who dedicate their lives to it.
Sumo isn’t with out it’s dark sides of course but I aim to capture and respect the long standing tradition of Sumo as an outsider western fan. My goal is to produce at least one drawing to do with Sumo every week to post on my socials every Sunday until I achieve my goal of seeing it in person.

Ink drawing of the rikishi's in training called Mukade-suriashi

My first drawing starting the challenge had to be of the now retired Hakuho who is considered to be the greatest Yokozuna in Sumo history.

Colour pencil drawing of Enho.
Enho’s story has been an inspiration to me while struggling with my degenerative spinal condition. Enho who’s stands at just 5 foot 5 and just about 100kg is a giant slayer regularly fighting opponents 3 times his size and still winning. He had a devastating spinal injury which left him not able to feel temperature, loss of limb functions and not being able to walk. Yet while doctors said it was over for him he didn’t give up. He fell down to the very bottom ranks , since sumo doesn’t have injury time, yet he worked hard in rehabilitation and came back and fought his way up all the way back into Juryo (as of writing). His determination and the fact that every bout he fights is always against a much larger opponent is an inspiration and shows the resilience of the human spirit.

Ink drawing of Hiradoumi who is my favorite Tachimochi (sword bearer)

Ink drawing of Yokozuna Onosato taking a swipe at Ura who impressively dodges the attack

A commision for a Ura fan. This ink drawing was made to a specific paper size so that it would match the size of the Ura Tegata (autographed hand print) that the client had. The challenge was to fit 4 moments from Ura’s pre bout ritual into the space. The smallest drawing being about 7cm wide. One of my most challenging technical drawings yet which I greatly enjoyed making for the wonderful client. Was overjoyed to see the artwork framed next to Ura’s Tegata!

Ura dressed as an eggplant

The fun side of Sumo! Memes, goofy behind the scenes personalities and funny moments, all things you can find when you dive into sumo fandom. Sumo is a very strict and serious sport filled with tradition but that doesn’t mean when you get into the fandom you can’t find funny moments and personality oozing from the rikishi behind the scenes.